I came back to Broome County because this is where my wife Bernie and I grew up.

This is where we wanted to raise our family, and this is home.

Like my opponent, I began my career as an Assistant DA.

But there are important differences in our experience since then.

While my opponent has been trying misdemeanors and violations as a City Court judge for the last decade, I've been trying felony cases in County Court for more than twenty years - felony murder cases, rapes, robberies and other serious crimes.

And while my opponent has been an Acting County Court Judge for seven years, not once in that time has she actually conducted a felony trial in Broome County.

Not even once.

Both the Broome County Bar and the State's Independent Judicial Qualification Commission have given me their highest ratings.

You should know that I am the only County Court candidate to receive a qualified rating from the Commission, whose criteria include professional ability, independence, and integrity.

As Judge Patrick Mathews' successor, I would bring to the County bench - as did he when he was first elected -- the balanced perspective of having been both a Prosecutor and a Defense Attorney.

I'm Joe Cawley, I'm running for County Court Judge, and I respectfully ask for your vote on Tuesday.